Bluefield State College Gives 11 Musical Instruments to Bluefield High School Band (w/photo)

Bluefield State College recently gave 11 musical instruments to Bluefield High School. BHS Band Director Bobby Jenks (left) accepted the instruments from Don Kensinger (center, BSC professor emeritus) and Paul Rutherford (right, BSC Purchasing Director) during a brief ceremony at BSC. The instruments had been in storage at BSC for several years and can now be used by current and future BHS band students.

(Bluefield)—Eleven band instruments, many of which have not been used for more than 40 years, will soon be making sweet music again. Bluefield State College recently transferred the instruments, which had remained in storage at the college since the 1960s, to Bluefield High School. The donation was the latest in a series of music-related collaborative activities involving the College and the high school. Last year, BSC donated a concert grand piano to Bluefield High, and earlier this year, the US Air Force jazz ensemble “Nighthawk” presented a clinic for BHS band members before performing at BSC during a Black History Month program.

Bluefield High Band Director Bobby Jenks noted the timeliness of the most recent gift. “We can now put instruments into the hands of students who need them, but currently don’t have them,” he explained. “This is a wonderful initiative on the part of the college and it really helps us.”

Don Kensinger, music professer emeritus at Bluefield State College, and Paul Rutherford, BSC’s Director of Purchasing, proposed the donation several weeks ago. “These instruments had been in storage, some for more than 50 years,” Rutherford commented. “Since BSC was no longer using them, we thought it would be best to donate them to Bluefield High School to be used and appreciated. The College is permitted by state law to transfer unneeded surplus equipment to any city, county or state agency.”

“We discussed the idea with Bobby and he was very enthusiastic about it,” Kensinger added. “We are grateful that these instruments will give some young musicians an opportunity to practice and perform.”